Colts general manager Chris Ballard does not expect contract extension: ‘We need to win’

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Colts general manager Chris Ballard is on the final year of his contract.

Does he expect a contract extension before the season?

“No. I wouldn’t do one,” Ballard said. “I’m in the last year of my deal. We need to win.”

Ballard has been the Colts general manager since 2017. In that time, they have made the playoffs twice (2018 and 2020) and have had a record of 70-78-1. The Colts have not won the AFC South in Ballard’s tenure as general manager.

“I’ll always do the best thing for the organization, both short and long term,” Ballard said. “That’s just how I tick and how I roll. I’m grateful that I’ve always had a job in this league that I have great respect for, and that will never change.”

Ballard addressed the sense of urgency set on this season.

“I get to do football every day and I never take that for granted,” Ballard said. “I won’t ever take one day for granted. I happen to be able to do it at the highest level, but I have such great respect for what the game of football gives people. Not just players who play the game, but fans and the moments it makes. It’s an impactful sport. It’s into the fabric of our society, and I think it’s a great thing. I’ll never take one day for granted. In terms of the pressure, nobody puts more pressure on me than myself to succeed. If I’ve learned anything over the years, sometimes you’ve got to enjoy all of it. The good and the bad. That’s the fun part of this. Going through things that are not always easy with people that you care about and you respect, not everybody gets to do that in life. I’ve been very fortunate.”

The first day of Colts training camp is Wednesday. Practice is scheduled for 10-11 a.m.